MORE than £37.3 million was paid in support to people receiving benefits in South Ayrshire in the last financial year.

The Scottish Government provided people who live in the area with support across 14 benefits between April 2023 and March 2024.

The figures are outlined in analysis published alongside Social Security Scotland’s annual report and accounts.

The amount paid to people living in South Ayrshire is part of the £1.9 billion in direct payments throughout Scotland.

The 14 payments, seven of which are only available in Scotland, provide essential support while people deal with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Other achievements outlined in the report include the winter heating payment, which was paid to 400,000 people by February this year.

Eligible people who get benefits include carers, disabled people and families, pensioners, young people starting jobs and people who need help paying for a funeral.

Shirley-Anne Somerville, cabinet secretary for social justice, said: “We are committed to tackling poverty and supporting people throughout Scotland.

"At a time when families are struggling with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis we have been delivering 14 benefits, seven of which are only available in Scotland. 

“We are focused on ensuring people get the money they are entitled to and that we deliver these payments while treating people with dignity, fairness and respect.”